By Rep. Randall Szott, D-Barnard Around this time last year, as the legislative session was ending, I was reflecting on the meaning of politics and the politics of meaning. I wrote and published my thoughts and ended on this note, “If we pursue a legislative agenda committed to putting meaning at the center of our deliberations, we…

By Bob Cappadona In mid-March, several states gave redemption centers and retailers the option to temporarily stop accepting bottles and cans. They advised households to stockpile their water bottles and soda cans for several weeks, or to simply toss them in their curbside recycling bins. While it is unclear how many redemption centers chose to…

By Angelo Lynn It’s time Vermont’s Democrats urged Gov. Phil Scott to open Vermont’s economic spigot a bit faster, even significantly faster. The onus falls on the Democratic leadership because Scott appears afraid of the political risks if he makes the call on his own. Here’s the political calculus: If Scott were to lead the…

Bats are once again in the headlines, but not for the reason one might assume — they need  help! There is no evidence at this time that North American bats can transmit the virus causing Covid-19 to humans, according to the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department. However, there is a very real and growing concern…

Charles “Butch” Shaw of Pittsford announced his candidacy for re-election to a sixth term to represent the citizens of Brandon, Pittsford and Sudbury in the Vermont House of Representatives on Monday, May 18. Butch was first appointed to the House by former Governor Jim Douglas in 2009 to represent Rutland District-6. Shaw has developed a…

Jim Harrison of Chittenden announced his candidacy for a new term as state representative for the Rutland-Windsor 1 district (Bridgewater, Chittenden, Killington and Mendon) on May 14. He was first appointed in 2017 by Governor Phil Scott to replace former Representative Job Tate and was elected to a new term in 2018. Harrison, an independently-minded…

By Sen. Dick McCormack The pandemic, its economic fallout, and the resulting social and personal stresses, all beg for analysis. What’s going on? What are proper responses? What mistakes are being made? What fundamental problems are exposed? I’m grateful for the informed, insightful, indeed wise communications I’ve been getting from concerned citizens. It’s gratifying when constituents…

By Rep. Jim Harrison This past Friday, the House gave preliminary approval to H.673, which gives authority to towns to adopt a shade tree regulation plan. The legislation is only enabling and was advanced by the agriculture and forestry committee on a unanimous vote, which usually means quick passage on the House floor. While the…

The Vermont State Police is investigating a bias-related incident that occurred at noon Friday, May 8, in Hartford during which a man was harassed and threatened regarding his family’s presence in Vermont. The state police received a report of a hate/bias-motivated incident from the victim’s family. The victim reported that at about 10 a.m. that…

Following laboratory analysis and continued investigation into the events of Oct. 8, 2019, in Rutland and Salisbury, the Vermont State Police has determined that Christopher G. Louras, 33, of Rutland is responsible for the fatal shooting of his cousin Nicholas Louras. The confirmation was announced, Tuesday, May 12. Nicholas Louras, a 34-year-old Rutland resident, was…

Stores in downtown Rutland share precautions they’re taking to ensure safety and compliance By Aliya Schneider Under Governor Phil Scott’s order, retail stores in Vermont were allowed to open their doors on Monday, May 18, but shoppers’ experiences won’t look the same as they did before the pandemic. Scott’s goal is for a “gradual reopening,”…

The Killington Strong gofundme has launched its Relief for Basic Necessities. A portion of the funds raised from the relief effort will go to members of the Killington Community who have been strongly affected financially by the Covid-19 pandemic. The group will provide grants to help pay for basic necessities such as utilities, medicines, rent,…

As the Covid-19 crisis continues, Woodstock Area Relief Fund (WARF) has received support from many area people and programs that have stepped up to help those in need. WARF has been able to partner with several of them, including the Windsor County Supervisory Union (WSCU). Last week, WSCU asked for help extending the student meals…

By Katy Savage As Gov. Phil Scott allows Vermont lodging facilities to reopen, inn operators are preparing for a new normal. Many summer events that draw thousands of tourists have been postponed or cancelled this year and many are anticipating reservations will be down significantly as the guest experience changes drastically. The Woodstock Inn is…

On May 16, at 12:51 p.m., the Middletown Springs Fire Dept. responded to 4000 Saw Mill Hill Road for a report of a structure fire at a remote camp. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered a fully involved structure fire in the single-story camp. They noted most of the camp structure had already been consumed by the fire…